Last verified: 23/09/2026
Michigan at a glance
This guide explains Driver's License requirements in Michigan, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.
Eligibility & Age Rules
<p>Drivers under 18 must complete Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing program, including Segment 1, supervised practice, Segment 2, and the on-road skills test. Drivers 18 and older must pass the first-license knowledge and vision exams, practice with a licensed adult for at least 30 days, and pass the skills test.</p>
Costs, timing and validity
A Michigan driver's license can be issued at 16. Drivers under 18 use the Graduated Driver Licensing program; applicants 18 or older follow the adult first-license process.
$25 for a standard first-time driver's license. An enhanced first-time license is $45. Additional testing or endorsement fees can apply.
$18 for a standard renewal. A standard late renewal adds $7. Enhanced renewal is $38, or $45 when late.
A standard Michigan driver's license expires on the holder's birthday every 4 years. Most drivers need an in-person photo and vision exam only every 12 years.
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
First-time applicants must provide proof of legal presence, Social Security number, identity, and two Michigan residency documents. Name-change documentation is required when applicable. Original documents are generally required; photocopies are not accepted.
How to apply
Pre-apply online, gather the required documents, visit a Secretary of State office for the first-license transaction and required exams, then complete the driving skills test through an authorized testing business.
Drivers under 18 must complete the graduated licensing stages.
Testing, Training & Restrictions
<p>First-time applicants must pass a vision exam. Applicants 18 or older take the driver knowledge exam at the Secretary of State office and then complete a road skills test after the required practice period. Under-18 applicants complete the graduated program and skills test.</p>
Renewal and ongoing requirements
<p>Eligible drivers can renew online, by mail or at a self-service station. An office visit is required for some transactions and generally every 12 years for a new photo and vision exam. A license can be renewed up to one year before expiration and up to four years after expiration, with applicable late fees.</p>
Processing time
Michigan does not publish one universal delivery time for all license transactions. After a successful first-license skills test, the permanent license is mailed; online and other renewal transactions have their own processing and mailing times.